Members of the Montgomery Community Baptist Church came in force to the Wallises' home to do a makeover. The Cincinnati Enquirer/TONY JONES

In May, Montgomery Community Baptist Church decided to observe missions month by focusing on the families of Rick and Heather Ingle and John and Sydney Wallis.

Paula Bussard, the church's director of worship arts, says the families are "models of the way we should be living here in Greater Cincinnati. They're multicultural. They're interracial. They love unconditionally these children they have brought into their homes."

The church hit on the idea of an "Extreme Maykeover," a takeoff on the TV show. As the church learned more about the families' needs, a one-day makeover grew to more than the month of May.

On Memorial Day weekend, about 150 volunteers descended on the Wallis home in North Avondale. They painted interior spaces, cleaned up the yard, installed smoke alarms and lights, and corrected wiring deficiencies. Champion Windows has agreed to donate $25,000 in replacement windows.

The focus soon will shift to the Ingle family. Before they can move to North Avondale, the roof on their current home must be replaced. Church crews plan to do that, then will box up the family's belongings and move them in early July. The family has other needs, including a 15-passenger van.

Bussard asks anyone who wants to help to call her at 489-0892, ext. 124; e-mail: pbussard@mcbccincy.com.

John Johnston